Welcome to My Studio, a blog post by Tony Cliff

As an author of graphic novels, including Delilah Dirk and the Turkish Lieutenant, I would not be able to create without the set up that works for me. Ordinarily, I have my computer things set up on a real professional desk, like a real professional. As it is, you’ve caught me during a “transitionary period,” so things aren’t exactly where they should be. Desk aside, this is how things are usually set up. The dual-monitor setup is handy for being able to zoom in on the drawing screen and retain a sense of the whole page composition on the second monitor, though for the most part I’m usually just distracted by websites on the second screen. I focus much better with a single-monitor setup. Ah well, the computer had the right specs for the right price at the time I bought it, so there we are.

Not pictured: the scanner I use to get pages into the computer and the printer I use to get them back out again.

I like to get away from the computer as much as possible – I like to change up where I work and I like to get away from all those distracting websites. That’s why I will continue drawing my line art on paper as often as possible, and that’s where it comes in handy having these sheets of hardboard that I can use as a work surface more-or-less anywhere. The paper, the board, and the tools can all be thrown in a modest-sized portfolio and I can take it anywhere I like. That said, the couch A) has good light, B) is warm and comfy, and C) is close to a reliable source of hot tea and assorted food items, so it’s hard to beat.

Not pictured: the yoga classes necessary to combat the horrible posture and resultant back pain.

Delilah Dirk and the Turkish Lieutenant by Tony Cliff is now available!